YOUNG actors taking part in a performance of Bugsy Malone were left star-struck when a member of the original cast turned up to watch their show.

The 22 youngsters, who attend Clitheroe’s Grand Theatre arts stage school, Backstage P.A.S.S, were left in awe when Lee Mannering, a ukulele player in Fat Sam’s Band in the 1976 Bugsy Malone movie, joined them on stage.

Mr Mannering, from Hyndburn, was 13 when he was chosen to be a member of Alan Parker’s cast. He was quizzed by the young actors and actresses about his career and experiences. He said: “I have made a point over the years of going to youth productions. I have seen a few over the years.

“It’s good to see them and to get the opportunity to say a few words to the young people in the production and to encourage them.

“They were interested in the costumes we had in the film.

“Because we were all children, all the clothes had to be scaled down, including the shoes, which were genuine leather. They also asked me about Jodie Foster and what it was like being in the film, which has stuck with me all my life.

“I got spotted for Bugsy Malone when working in a show with Tommy Trinder.

“The film production company sent a scout who, after the show, came into my dressing room and offered me an audition in front of Alan Parker.”

More than 200 people crammed into the venue to see the youngsters perform two shows on Sunday.

Bugsy Malone is based in 1920s New York, very loosely around events in the prohibition era and uses child actors.

A Backstage P.A.S.S spokesman said: “We are so proud of the hard work and commitment every member of the cast has given to make such a fantastic production. They should be very proud of their achievements.

“It was a fabulous moment seeing the joy on their faces as they enjoyed well deserved applause.”